Canceled: Controlled Burn Today On Pate Street Near UWF, FPL
February 26, 2025
The Florida Forest Service has canceled the 45-acre prescribed burn on University of West Florida property along Pate Street, which was originally scheduled for today, Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The Florida Forest Service plans to reschedule the prescribed burn at a later date
Offices said the burn will only be initiated under proper weather conditions including a south or southwest wind component to steer smoke toward the Escambia River. Forest Service firefighters will be executing the burn and will have equipment such as brush trucks and bulldozers on hand. Crews also will monitor and patrol the area keeping a close eye on any potential smoke impacts during the burn.
The burn is part of an ongoing plan and partnership between the university and Forest Service to not only reduce hazardous vegetative fuels and the wildfire risk in the area but also help restore the property to its native state officials said. Prescribed fire mimics the natural fire regime that once was part of Florida’s landscape. Local plants and animals thrive in prescribed burn areas thanks to the new growth and additional nutrients left behind post burn.
Tate Tennis Boys And Girls Defeated Escambia 7-0
February 26, 2025
The Tate High Aggies boys and girls tennis teams defeated Escambia High 7-0 Tuesday. Next up, Tate will take on Crestview on Friday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mystic Springs Road Railroad Crossing Closing For Two Days
February 26, 2025
The Mystic Spring Road railroad crossing will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, according to signage that was posted at the crossing near McDavid.
The closure will block the only way in and out for a few residences along Mystic Springs, Gunner and Worley Roads, along with campgrounds and the Mystic Springs Boat Ramp.
CSX has not provided any information about the closure. We made Escambia County officials aware of the closure Tuesday night.
Pictured: A closure sign at the Mystic Springs Road railroad crossing. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle JV Volleyball Advances To County Championship
February 26, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School JV volleyball team had advanced to the county middle school volleyball JV championship Thursday.
Ernest Ward will face the Beulah Academy of Science at 5:30 p.m. in Fryman Gym at Tate High School. That game will be followed by the county varsity middle school championship game.
Pictured: The EWMS JV volleyball Tuesday evening. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scores: Tate Baseball, Softball And Lacrosse; Northview Baseball
February 26, 2025
SOFTBALL
Pace 8, Tate 0
Defending 6A state champions Pace defeated the Tate Lady Aggies 8-0 Tuesday night.
Kara Wine was 1-2 at the plate to lead the Aggies.
Thursday night, Tate will host Northview.
Navarre 6, Northview 3
With seven runs in the sixth inning, Navarre softball defeated Northview 9-3 Tuesday night in Navarre.
Addysen Bolen led Northview with two RBIs, and she went 2-3. Bailey Burkette also scored two hits for the Lady Chiefs.
Next, Northview will travel to Tate on Thursday.
BASEBALL
West Florida 12, Tate 2
The West Florida Jags defeated the Tate Aggies 12-2 Tuesday night.
Taite Davis and Connor Dethlefs each had two hits and one RBIs to lead the Aggies at bat. Dethlefs also recorded two stolen bases.
Up next, the Aggies will travel to Crestview on Thursday.
LACROSSE
Navarre 20, Tate 3
In girls lacrosse, the Navarre Raiders defeated the host Tate Aggies 20-3 Tuesday night
Tate will host Fort Walton Beach Thursday before traveling to West Florida on Friday.Both matchups are set for 6 p.m.
Two Injured In Crash Involving Van, ECUA Truck In Cantonment
February 25, 2025
Two people were injured in a Tuesday afternoon crash involving a van and a sanitation truck in Cantonment.
The crash happened on South Highway 97 near Sawyers Ridge Road about 1 p.m.
A van operated by a mobile pet grooming business overturned after the collision with an Emerald Coast Utilities Authority truck. The van came to rest on its side on Highway 97, while the ECUA driver moved the truck to Sawyers Ridge Road.
Two occupants of the van, an adult female and a juvenile, were transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered severe.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not yet released the cause of the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Continuing Community Center, Bridge Projects In Century
February 25, 2025
Escambia County is continuing to move forward with implementing millions of dollars in state grant projects on behalf of the Town of Century that will fund a community center and bridge improvements.
In August 2024, the state terminated millions in grants with Century.
The state terminated $12.8 million in grants with the town for two bridges and a hurricane shelter that will double as a community center and multi-purpose building. However, the state funds were awarded to Escambia County and the projects will continue.
Escambia County has received the $12,877,137 grant for the community center/shelter and for Jefferson Avenue and the Alger Road bridges. According to Escambia County, the status of those projects is as follows:
- Community Center: This project is currently in the early stages and is being managed by our facilities department. The land on Hecker Road was transferred from Pensacola State College to Escambia County at no cost to the county, under the conditions that it must remain a community center/shelter. Phase I will include an environmental study. From there, they will bid for design and move forward with the process. Approximately $10 million was awarded for this project. The environmental review has been advertised and a consultant has been selected. Negotiations are ongoing.
- Jefferson Avenue/Alger Road Bridge: This project will be a rehabilitation of a pipe culvert along Jefferson Avenue and a bridge replacement on Alger Road. Freedom Road was initially included in the scope, but it was later revised out as Century had secured separate funding (see below) to replace that structure. The environmental review has been advertised, a consultant has been selected, and negotiations are ongoing. The deadline was last week for design solicitations. The project is funded by $2,862,137 in grant funds.
A $3.255 million grant for a community center on Jefferson Avenue is essentially gone. The town council approved an amendment making the original grant just a simple planning grant, removing all construction and cutting funding from $3.255 million to $514,650. The just over a half million dollars awarded will pay for the work completed by an engineer, architect, and the grant administrator. Under the agreement with FloridaCommere accepted by the council, there is no money whatsoever for construction of the community center on Jefferson Avenue. The funds were taken back by the state and no part of the money awarded to Escambia County.
FloridaCommerce cuts the state grants due to “due to financial and fiscal solvency issues the Town is facing”, opting to have Escambia County continue the Jefferson Avenue/Alger Road bridge project and the community/shelter project.
A legislative appropriation to the town for replacement of a failed bridge on Freedom Road remains in place.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
92 Acre Borrow Pit Proposed For Highway 97 In Molino
February 25, 2025
A new sand and dirt borrow pit is being proposed from Highway 97 in Molino.
The 92.9 acre site on the east side of Highway 97 between Gibson Road and Sunshine Hill Road. is owned by Southern States Land Co. The principles of the company are the same as those of Molino Dirt and Sand, which will operate the pit, according to an application filed with the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC).
The pit will be excavated to a depth of 40 feet. The applicant said they drilled to 45 feet and did not reach the water table.
The applicant said there are not residences within 500 feet of the proposed pit. The company proposed that reclamation of the pit “involves the use of clean land clearing debris with approperate (sic) cover in accordance with all regulations.”
The proposal has not yet been set for formal DRC review.
Escambia Fire Rescue Presents Annual Awards (With Photo Gallery)
February 25, 2025
Escambia County Fire Rescue hosted their annual awards ceremony last Saturday. The ceremony served as a celebration of all achievements accomplished in 2024 and marking 25 years of service to the community.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Career Awards
- Career Fire Officer of the Year: Lt. Daniel Mills
- Career Firefighter of the Year: FF Allen Harrison
- Lieutenant Terrell Jackson Award: Lt. Jason Crabbe
- District Chief Dwain Bradshaw Award: FF Josh Bazinet
Medal of Courage
- For heroic actions during a residential structure fire with entrapment (Deauville Way, Pensacola):
- Lt. Charles McGuffey
- FF Anthony Stafford
- For exceptional bravery during a residential structure fire (Highway 95A):
- Lt. Jeff Rohrer
- FF David Neydlin
Distinguished Service Medal
- Capt. Joel Richardson (Safety 2): Leadership in the first-ever Escambia County Fire Academy
- Capt. Dan Kunz (Ladder 13): Dedication as a leader, instructor, and mentor
- Lt. Nick Gradia (Safety 4): 17 years of service and unwavering support of fellow firefighters
ECFR Honor Guard Service Recognition
- For 15 years of dedicated service:
- Capt. Joel Richardson
- Capt. Scott Averill
- Lt. Nick Gradia
- Lt. Adam Edwards
- Lt. Dale Dirks
Company Citations
01/31/2024: Residential Structure Fire with Entrapment (Highway 95A)
- Engine 6: Lt. Jeff Rohrer, FF Matt Callahan, FF David Neydlin, FF Mackenzie Church
02/09/2024: Cardiac Arrest Call (Pinebrook Circle)
- Engine 219: Lt. Tom Schwarz, FF Anthony Stafford, FF Niall Reid
- Engine 4: Lt. Chase Webb, FF Anthony Pizzo, FF Channon O’Connor, FF Bennet Silveira
- Safety 3: Capt. Alex Torres
04/04/2024: Large Brush Fire (Somerville Court)
- Chiefs: Adam Harrison, Paul Williams, Curt Isakson, Wes Barnett, Yoshimi Core, Jim Pokrandt
- Lieutenants: Jim Allen, Jacob Meligan, Scott Hunsucker, Peter Welch, Jeff Rohrer, Lynn Garrett, Jason Menda, Keith Chapman, Dale Dirks, Kyle Sexton
- Firefighters: Chris Knezienski, Joe Thrower, Travis Litchfield, John Quinn, Kenny Fehl, Jake Hoskins, Nick Pearson, Brian Kraatz, Jordan Ewing, Garic Fatheree, Paul Guy, Kyle Pickard, David Carballosa, Channin O’Connor, Ethan Muldoon, Jacob Darr, Shawn Hill, Victor Govyadov, Zach Aceto, Nathaniel Beuschel, Michael Iglesias, Kyle Muldoon, Tyler Jackson, Jim Nagim, Jeff Howard, Josh Reaves
04/04/2024: Cardiac Arrest Save (Secretariat Way)
- Engine 219: Lt. Tom Schwarz, FF Chris French, FF Niall Reid
- Logistics 1: Chief Jim Pokrandt
04/09/2024: Vehicle vs. Building Crash (Patton Drive)
- Engine 16: Lt. Adam Edwards, FF Marcus Fairley, FF Hunter Burklow, FF Robert Mandel
- Squad 14: Lt. JP Owens, FF Jason Rocco, FF Ryan Read, FF Nathaniel Beuschel
04/25/2024: Emergency Medical Response
- Engine 7: Acting Lt. Kenny Fehl, FF Clay Brown
- Safety 4: Lt. Nick Gradia
05/30/2024: Cardiac Arrest Save (N. 69th Avenue)
- Engine 11: Lt. James Shaw, FF Gordon Wilson, FF Anthony Williams
07/13/2024: Rollover Crash with Entrapment (Blue Angel Parkway)
- Engine 1: Lt. Chris Snipes, FF Bruce Durden, FF Neils Frage
- Engine 11: Lt. Sean King, FF David Carballosa, FF Ander Sienra
- Ladder 12: Lt. Jason Crabbe, FF Scott Walther, FF Connley Rogers
- Squad 3: Lt. Jim Beagle, FF James Southern, FF Jacob Darr
- Safety 4: Lt. Daniel Akerman
- Battalion 3: Chief Jon Hollingsworth
- Battalion 2: Chief Dan Brask
07/28/2024: Mass Shooting (Wedgewood Community Center)
- Squad 3: Lt. Charles McGuffey, FF Jacob Darr, FF Shawn Hill
- Safety 4: Lt. Nick Gradia
08/10/2024: Baby Delivery (Mapleleaf Drive)
- Engine 6: Lt. Jeff Rohrer, FF Matt Callahan, FF Kenny Fehl, FF Zach Aceto
08/12/2024: Cardiac Arrest Save (New Warrington Road)
- Engine 16: Lt. Keith Chapman, FF Marcus Fairley, FF Robert Mandel
08/18/2024: Cardiac Arrest Save
- Engine 1: Lt. Dimitri Jansen, FF Justin King, FF Matthius Ross, FF Allan Beasley
09/09/2024: Cardiac Arrest Save (W. Gadsden Street)
- Engine 17: Lt. Keith Chapman, FF David Carballosa, FF Channin O’Connor
Civilian Awards
- Sherman Hopkins & Melissa Douglas: Performed CPR and used an AED to successfully rescue a cardiac arrest patient.
- Melissa Grannum & Earline Heno: Provided CPR to a cardiac arrest patient during a social function, increasing survival chances.
Hurricane Helene Deployment
- BC Steve Boothe, Lt. Keith Chapman, Lt. Darin Snipes, FF Michael Maddrey, FF Bobby Held, FF Haley Crabb, FF Shannon Halfacre, FF Kenny Fehl
Final Alarm Recipients
- FF Wayne Kercher – Final Alarm: April 7, 2024
- FF Clay Brown – Final Alarm: June 22, 2024
- Chief Mark Clark – Final Alarm: September 1, 2024
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
February 25, 2025
Northview High School recently named their Students of the Month for January. They are Ryan Phillips and Mary-Clayton Dawson, pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.